Lashes: Make Everything Better

Dating back to the late 1800s, there are records of treatments to lengthen and thicken eyelashes. It was believed lashes would grow if they were trimmed and then treated with pomades or a mixture of water and walnut leaves.

In Paris, hair from the head was being transplanted and sewn onto the eyelids in 1882. By 1903, a German hair specialist and inventor Charles Nessler, was selling false eyelashes in his London Salon and using the proceeds to invent and produce the first ever permanent wave machine. This is what we know of today as a “perm” to curl or straighten hair.

Soon after, in 1911, Anna Taylor brought false lashes from Canada to the United States and was able to patent them.

No one can argue that lashes are not serious business, because all of this was happening right along with the first Model T Ford and the washing machine.

Lashes have never been out of style. The longer and thicker, the better.

IN HOME LASHES

Women spend more time and money than ever before to achieve the perfect lashes. A recent study from Money Magazine said the average woman spends $15,000 on cosmetics in her lifetime and $3,000 of it is just on mascara. The lash services today vary in cost and some are much more high maintenance than others.

Basic lash products consist of an eyelash curler, primer and mascara. Here are a few tips to get the most out of a basic application:

• Always start by curling your lashes. A good lash curler is a must! There should be a rubber pad in the curler to cushion and gently round your lashes without damaging them. Start with a clean curler by wiping it clean with warm soapy water or even rubbing alcohol. If the curler has mascara residue it can stick to your lashes and pull them out as you open and close the curler.

• Look straight and place the curler at the base of the lash. Gently pump the curler, making sure all of your top lashes are in the tool. As you pump the curler, move it out toward the end of the lash little by little to get a beautiful, gradual curl from root to tip.

• Apply a primer to thicken the lash. After it dries, coat the lashes with 1-2 applications of mascara on top and bottom lashes. Swipe the mascara wand back and forth in a zig-zag motion from root to the end of the lashes first, and then swipe upward to comb through the lashes. This is a perfect way to create lashes for an everyday look.

GET EXPERT HELP

Eyelash Perming emerged soon after the year 2000. Today, this service is more commonly known as a Lash Lift. This is a great way to give your natural lashes a temporary curl followed by a dark tint to appear as if there is mascara on them. Lash Lifts take about 45 minutes to an hour and can last up to 12 weeks. The average cost is approximately $75-$125.

The lashes are glued (this is a special glue safe for lashes and skin) to a silicone rod that is first glued to your eyelid. Your lashes are then separated with a tool to create the perfect fan using your natural lashes. The perming solution is then applied to the root of the lashes and about 3/4 of the way up, and left on for 3-10 minutes (depending on the strength and condition of your lashes) and then a neutralizer is applied for 5 minutes.

Typically this is followed with a tint for the top and bottom lashes. The finished product is a beautiful, dark, curled lash.

After a 24-hour period, you can use lash conditioners, primers, mascaras and growth serums just as you would before the Lift. This service is very low maintenance, cost sensitive and is perfect for just about anyone.

Temporary false lashes are strip lashes applied along the top of the lash line for a one-day use. Typically mascara is applied to the natural lash before the strip lashes go on and you can also apply more mascara after.

They do not stay on once you get them wet. The hardest part about these lashes is mastering the art of putting them on by yourself.

These lashes are very affordable, usually $2-$15 per pair.

In 2014, magnetic false lashes hit the market and have become very popular, and they are also reusable. These range from $6-$75, and take some practice getting on but you do not need any mascara or product.

Lash Extensions have been all the rage for well over a decade in the United States. Semi-permanent lash extensions can create almost any desired shape using your natural lashes. Lash extensions are made out of synthetic, silk and mink and the adhesive is made from methyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Although this glue is safe for the eye area, it is not meant to be on skin, only the hair. There is a small percentage of people that have allergic reactions to the adhesive, which can happen right away or develop over months or even years.

Lash extensions are applied either individually — one lash on each of your natural lashes — or volume lashes are a fan of three to six lighter weight extensions attached to one natural lash. Lash extenions require an initial application and then have to be filled every two to three weeks, going beyond four weeks would require another full set

The initial application can range between $150-$500 for a full set, and can take 1.5-4 hours for the full set. The fills can range from $65-$200 and take 45 minutes to 2 hours (BONUS: naps are FREE with all lash services!).

This is by far the most high maintenance of lash services, but has the best pay off in fullness and length without the use of any mascara. There are glycol free mascaras, lash conditioners and boosters that can be used with extensions, but it is best to check with your lash artist to make sure the product is safe before applying it to your extensions.

When deciding which type of lash service is best for you, always research the service provider to make sure they are licensed, experienced and have great reviews.

“My lashes are too long,” said no one ever.”

Leslie Peck is a local makeup artist, esthetician and lash artist with almost two decades of experience. She has worked 11 seasons of NYC Fashion Week as well as several beauty shoots while living in New York City. Leslie also has experience in TV, film, print and celebrity makeup in Los Angeles. She specializes in bridal makeup, skincare education and was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2007.

Before and after of Lash Lift and Tint by Leslie Peck.(Photo: Lesile Peck/BellaMagazine.com)